With its ability to brighten skin, control oil, and soothe inflammation, niacinamide is having a moment—as are the best niacinamide serum formulations. That shouldn’t be a total surprise. When it comes to active ingredients in skin care products, niacinamide is among the few that have years of research to back up their benefits, putting it up there with household names like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and retinol.
The benefits of niacinamide are multifaceted, meaning they work for just about every skin type out there. “Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, a multitasking antioxidant that can help soothe and hydrate the skin, reverse the signs of aging, lighten dark spots and redness as well as reduce inflammation—which may benefit conditions like acne and rosacea,” explains Deanne Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Westport, Connecticut.
Our top picks:
- Best Overall: La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Niacinamide Serum, $32
- Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Hydro Boost + 10% Niacinamide Serum, $25
- Best Luxury: Lancôme Clarifique Pro-Solution Brightening Serum, $85
- Best for Dry Skin: InstaNatural Niacinamide Serum, $23
- Best for Oily Skin: Glossier Super Pure Clarifying Face Serum With Niacinamide + Zinc, $29
It’s also one skin care ingredient that plays well with others, thanks in part to those anti-inflammatory chops—so much so that you can (and should) pair them strategically. “Niacinamide is a soothing ingredient, so it can help make an exfoliating ingredient or product more tolerable to sensitive skin, allowing you to use it more frequently and see the benefits of it,” she says. “Because of these properties, it pairs well with retinols and alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs.”
Thought that was it? Nope. Niacinamide can also enhance the hydrating benefits of humectants—think hyaluronic acid and glycerin—so it’s a winner in moisturizers too. “It works by preventing evaporation of moisture from the skin into the environment,” Dr. Robinson explains; in other words, it helps supplement the skin barrier. You can also find it in cleansers and toners, although she prefers face serums for their higher rate of absorption. Heads up: To maximize niacinamide’s benefits, sunscreen is essential, so make sure you follow up your serum with a product that has at least SPF 30, which is the minimum amount recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.
Bottom line: There’s no reason not to slot this topical ingredient into your skin care routine, stat. Scroll ahead for the best niacinamide serum for every preference and skin type—guaranteed to help you make the most of this powerhouse ingredient.
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1/13
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Niacinamide Serum
Niacinamide is best known as a brightening ingredient. (It interferes with the transfer of melanin, or pigment, in the skin—meaning any melanin created from sun exposure or inflammation doesn’t make it to your skin’s surface.) This particular serum puts that feature to work to deliver antiaging benefits, reducing the number, size, and color of dark spots, sun spots, and other types of discoloration. (And since it’s an antioxidant, it’ll also keep free radicals from further damaging skin.) Plus, it also offers hyaluronic acid with the brand’s soothing thermal water to keep skin calm.
- Pros: The texture is lightweight and easy to massage in.
- Cons: The fragrance can be a bit much.
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2/13
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Hydro Boost + 10% Niacinamide Serum
Dullness is no match for this serum, which pairs hyaluronic acid (a mainstay in the brand's Hydro Boost collection) with 10% niacinamide to address lackluster skin and even out skin texture. While niacinamide is a no-brainer if you have sensitive skin, it's even better in this formula, which is fragrance-free and contains no parabens or phthalates.
- Pros: The texture doesn't feel sticky, and the applicator makes it easy to dispense the right amount.
- Cons: It can take a few weeks to see results.
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